- Visit the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands
- Engage in bird and wildlife spotting, especially in St. Kilda and the Treshnish Isles
- Taste authentic Scottish whiskies from the barrel at various distilleries in Islay
- Enjoy a private visit of Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull hosted by the Clan Chief
Focusing on the aspects the Scottish isles are famous for – varied wildlife and superb distinctive whiskies, this cruise takes full advantage of the outer isles in May. We delve first into the ‘whisky isle’ of Islay with its eight working distilleries creating unique, peaty drams that evokes the island’s terrain. In the Victorian port of Oban, the distillery produces a very different style of whisky, whilst on the Isle of Mull, in the pretty tiny fishing port of Tobermory, the distillery dates from the 18th century.
Those not interested in whisky will still be spoilt for choice in terms of wildlife, from the archipelago of the Treshnish Isles to lonely and remote St Kilda. In May, both destinations will have teeming colonies of nesting seabirds such as puffins, kittiwakes and gannets. Whether from the ship’s decks, explorer boat cruising, or on foot, we may also get to see otters, seals, sea eagles, and golden eagles. We may even hear a corncrake amongst the spring orchids in the fields of the Small Isles.
Other highlights include a private hosted visit to one of Scotland’s most ancient and scenic castles. As guests of clan chieftain Sir Lachlan MacLean, we will enjoy a private evening visit at his clan home that has a history running back 800 years. We will see where Christianity arrived in Scotland from Ireland, and how Harris Tweed is created in the Outer Hebrides.
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Day 1Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland
‘Dear Green Place’
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Day 2Belfast, Northern Ireland
Charming Industrial Capital
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Day 3Peel, Isle of Man
From Royalty to Races
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Day 4Islay, Scotland
Land of Scottish Whisky
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Day 5Oban and Craignure, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Meeting a Clan Chief in his Castle
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Day 6Isle of Iona & Treshnish Isles, Scotland
Pilgrims and Puffins
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Day 7Loch Scavaig and Isle of Canna, Scotland
‘The Garden of the Hebrides’
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Day 8St. Kilda, Hirta Island, Scotland
Reclaimed by Nature
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Day 9Stornoway, Lewis & Harris, Scotland
Capital of the Outer Hebrides
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Day 10Kirkwall, Orkney
In Memory of Magnus
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Day 11Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland
A Scenic Stop for Birds
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Day 12Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
At the Centre of Scotland’s Shetland Islands
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Day 13Bergen, Norway
City of Seven Mountains
Departures
- 2021
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May12 May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
Current offers on this cruise:
Book with CONFIDENCE
8 days left!
Cancel your cruise for any reason and we’ll pay you back - no questions asked.
Receive your refund, including the previously non-refundable deposit.
If you cancel, we’ll get the money back into your account within 14 days.
Read our terms and conditionsPossibilities
What's included
Included in your voyage
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
Photo: Shutterstock
Your ship
MS Spitsbergen
Year built | 2009 |
Year of refurbishment | 2016 |
Shipyard | Estaleiro Navais de Viana do Castelo (POR) |
Passenger capacity | 335 |
Beds | 243 |
Car capacity | 0 |
Gross tonnage | 7,344 |
Length | 100.54m |
Beam | 18m |
Speed | 14.5 knots |
MS Spitsbergen will take you on a voyage beyond the ordinary. She cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Expedition sailings during the rest of the year.
Practical information
Sailing with MS Spitsbergen
Before you travel with MS Spitsbergen
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Day 3
Eventyrets siste kapittel - Bergen
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